Environment Minister Leo Brincat this morning launched a series of activities to promote better air quality.

The activities will take place throughout September and will be held in collaboration with other ministries with the aim of raising awareness among citizens about what the government priorities are.

Standing in a car park in Msida, Mr Brincat said that Pieta was one of the localities affected by poor air quality. Air quality in Malta was affected by three main factors, namely energy, transport and unregulated construction.

He said that while in previous years there was an emphasis just on car free day, which some people took seriously and others viewed with scepticism, the government would this year be extending its focus.

Among other things, a public discussion was being held on Friday in Triq il-Wesgha Kunsill tal Ewropa in Fgura in the car park opposite the HSBC branch at 6.30pm. The speakers will include German air pollution specialist Karl Ludwig Huttner, who will be attending through collaboration with the German embassy.

During his visit, Mr Huttner will also hold discussions with Mr Brincat.

The minister said that once the government’s energy plans kicked in, the problem of air pollution from the energy sector would be mitigated and the government would turn its focus onto transport.

Car free day is still being held on September 22 and a number of NGOs and councils came up with their own initiatives to hold activities in their areas.

Another activity that would there would lead to the second phase of an ongoing European project to introduce electric vehicles in Malta would be held in mid-September.